2005 Synod Assembly

Assembly Joined in Prayer

(Live Update added 4 p.m., Friday, May 6, 2005)

At the 2004 Synod Assembly, voting members adopted the synod's strategic plan, "Called into God's Marvelous Light." This plan is to be carried out in 2005-2007. The plan includes three visions ("To Be Joyful Witnesses," "To Be Christ-Centered Disciples," and "To Be Strong Leaders"), and also three yearly emphases, the first of which is to be "A Synod Joined in Prayer" in 2005.

Following the adoption of the strategic plan, the Congregational Renewal Team assumed responsibility for the prayer objective. Larry Iverson, synod minister and staff resource person to the team, related how they tried to balance an obvious presence without being overly structured. "We wanted it to be very open," he said.

The prayer tent in the assembly hall itself was an attempt to not only make the emphasis more visible, but also more accessible. "Members of the team and staff pray through the requests in the tent whenever they feel led. We'll pray for these throughout the next week as well," said Iverson.

Indeed, the 2005 assembly members not only joined one another in prayer, but were surrounded by prayer. All major components of the Assembly began and ended with prayer, including the introduction of speakers. After introduction, each speaker was prayed for, then escorted from the prayer tent through the Assembly hall to the podium with a processional cross to a song called "Thula," the Zulu word for "Listen." Crosses and cross bearers came from various churches throughout the synod.

Prayer shawl knitters at the Assembly Photo by Pastor Todd Hawkins

Another concrete sign of prayer was evident by the gifts of prayer shawls. Several congregations donated the shawls - shawls that were knitted while praying - which were presented to speakers and special guests. At the end of the Assembly Saturday, shawls will also be presented to each of this synod's 2005 Churchwide Assembly voting members.

Many congregations have started prayer shawl ministries, which have been a blessing to many people going through difficult times such as illness and grief.

Taking this ministry seriously, several knitters plied their trade at a special table in the plenary hall throughout the Assembly. One of the knitters, Eloise Hoff, Christ, Preston, said the ministry in her church has been going on since January. "We have 25 to 30 knitters right now, and plan to give shawls to nursing home residents over 90 years old." Many people with various needs have received shawls from Hoff's congregation.

"Prayer should be in the midst of all we do," Iverson stated. At the 2005 Synod Assembly, it is clear we are "A Synod Joined in Prayer."

Interested in starting a prayer shawl ministry at your congregation? Visit www.shawlministry.com for more information.

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